Does The 'Box And Banish' Decluttering Method Actually Work?

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Decluttering gets a bad rep, not because it greedily takes over your weekend or seems like a never-ending task. It's challenging because it often puts us on the spot and forces us to make tough decisions. And this can be especially bad for individuals who tend to overthink and struggle to make clear decisions. The box and banish decluttering method claims to streamline the process and minimize decision fatigue. All you have to do is set aside a large cardboard box or plastic container and keep adding objects you aren't 100% sure about keeping. Think of it as a "maybe" box or a "halfway home" for your belongings. 

You can, of course, take out objects as and when you feel their need or start missing them. For instance, if you'd like back the chunky sweater that looks similar to Chris Evans' knitted piece in "Knives Out," feel free to fish it out of the box. Give the others a grace period of six weeks. After the time is up, banish things you didn't use or feel the need for during this span. Donate the box to your favorite charity, set up a garage or yard sale, or list your pre-loved items on online platforms like FB Marketplace or Craigslist. Whichever way you go, don't put the items festering in the box back in your wardrobe. If needed, take an extra week or two to decide, but ultimately, harden your heart and find a new home for the jeans that don't fit anymore or the extra phone you don't use. The good news is that this method absolutely works as long as you stick to the grace period and follow through on the "banish" end of the task, although there are some limitations to note.

The first step is to get a box. Ensure it's large enough to house multiple items, or you'll have to make room for a few boxes. For better results, hide it in a spot that's not easily visible. To illustrate, don't set it up in a corner of your living room or bedroom. The back of your closet or a high shelf is a better option. Basically, you don't want easy access to the box. Otherwise, you might be tempted to peek in regularly and take out items, especially ones you're emotionally attached to. In case you want to declutter everything from your bathrooms to storage with this rule, set up a box in each room of your home to avoid procrastination from halting your progress.

Once you cover the "box" part of this decluttering method, start working on the "banish." Either add objects as and when you notice them cluttering up your home, or pair this technique with another, like TikTok's 3-second rule, to work through the "maybe" pile without investing a lot of time or energy. Let the items stay in a time-out for a minimum of six weeks before deciding their fate. You can extend this time frame to six months (or more) if you're adding in seasonal items, like jackets. Take out the items you feel a need for during the time-out and dispose of the rest responsibly.

Although the box and banish method is a good way of decluttering your bedroom if you're feeling overwhelmed, it's not without its limitations. For starters, it's not a good option for individuals who like instant results and take proactive measures to declutter their home. At its core, this technique is ideal for people who face decision paralysis. However, it might not be ideal for you if you have a small closet or live in a studio apartment.

Another glaring limitation is the grace period. If you keep adding items as you encounter them in your immediate surroundings, the time frame will be different for each piece. Basically, you won't get to deliberate over all the objects for six weeks (at a minimum). So, it's best to add items in one-go or over a single weekend. In case your life is too chaotic, switch the period to a week or a month. When the box is full, jot down the date the items are due for banishment on a sticker or reusable label, like Mantah's 96-piece Chalkboard Label Stickers, and put it on the box. Set a reminder on your calendar, too, so you don't forget about the event. Finally, revisit the items inside to ensure you don't accidentally part with anything too expensive or part of your family legacy. However, if you struggle to let things go, simply skip this step and just donate or sell the articles inside.